360° Coverage: Celine Dion's husband steps down

Celine Dion's husband steps down

René Angélil - who underwent treatment on a second bout of throat cancer in December - has handed over control of his wife's career to his longtime friend and frequent collaborator Aldo Giampaolo.

Aldo will take over as CEO of Feeling Productions, Celine's management company, but René will stay with the firm as chairman of the board.

René said in a statement: "Considering our long-standing friendship, our mutual respect and our past collaborations, this was a logical step for all of us."

Aldo added: "I am extremely touched and honored to be offered this new challenge, and I see it as a continuation of the close working relationship that René and I have enjoyed for the past 25 years."

Aldo will leave his position president and CEO of Quebecor's QMI Entertainment & Sports to work with the 'Think Twice' singer and is delighted to have been given the "challenge".

He said: "Despite the exciting challenges I faced at Quebecor, working with one of the world's most popular and high-profile entertainers was a unique opportunity and a challenge I couldn't pass up."

It was announced in March that 73-year-old René - who has grown-up children Patrick, Jean-Pierre and Anne-Marie from his previous marriages, and René-Charles, 13, and twins Eddy and Nelson, three, with Celine - had taken a break from managing his 45-year-old spouse to focus on his recovery from cancer.

A spokesperson said: "During his recovery, Mr. Angelil has decided to take a short hiatus from his normal work schedule, and concentrate on rebuilding his strength through proper rest and nutrition."

Celine - who has a residency in Las Vegas - issued a statement which added: "I don't want René to stress out with work-related issues. I want him to focus on getting back to 100 percent. I've been doing my shows at the Colosseum and everything's under control."